Torre Egger - Piolet d'or 2012 Special mention

This ascent of Torre Egger achieved a new level for technical ice climbing in an alpine environment. The ephemeral line is a hugely creative and imaginative route, and was only possible due to the team’s opportunism. A few days after the climb’s nomination, Bjorn-EIvind Aartun was tragically killed in an ice climbing accident in Norway, along with Stein-Ivar Gravdal. Aartun’s partner from Torre Egger, Ole Lied, was unable to attend the 2012 Piolets d’Or. The organisers, jury, and the rest of the nominees express their sympathy and support for Ole and the entire Norwegian climbing community. Ascent by Bjorn-Eivind Aartun and Ole Lied, Norway.

- Piolets d'Or 2012: K7 West and Saser Kangri II the winners